More information has come to light regarding the split between WWE alum Nikki Garcia and Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev. Nikki filed for divorce on September 11 after two years of marriage, just two weeks after Artem was arrested on a domestic violence charge.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the couple had already separated on August 29, the same day Artem was taken into custody under California penal code section 273.5(a)PC, which involves violence against a spouse or cohabitant.
In her divorce filing, Nikki cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. She also requested legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo, though she noted she would consider granting Artem visitation rights.
While the couple has yet to make any public statements regarding the divorce or Artem’s arrest, Nikki’s representative asked for “privacy for her and her family at this time” in a statement to E! News. Meanwhile, Artem has remained mostly silent on the matter, although he subtly acknowledged Nikki on social media.
After his arrest and subsequent release on a $25,000 bond, Artem updated his Instagram bio to include, “Father to Matteo, DWTS Pro Dancer, Emmy Nominated Choreographer, DWTS Mirror Ball Winner, SCD Mirror Ball Winner @nikkigarcia,” along with a bride and red heart emoji.
The couple’s separation came just three days after they celebrated their second wedding anniversary. On August 26, Artem posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life without you. You are my everything.” Nikki also shared a touching tribute, quoting lyrics from Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love, and reflected on a spiritual moment when she realized she was falling in love with Artem.
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